The Glyph Saga Book Three: At the Mother Station

By D. K. N. Yuko

The year is 2101, SF. The planet is Ecliptic Earth. The population is approximately two and a half billion, a combination of Humanoids, Androids, and Soligrams. The problem is an egocentric and overriding Oligarchy, a dimwitted Dictatorship, and a damaged Democracy, locked in a fierce and blatantly personal fight to stay afloat in a tumultuous, combative, broken civilization. Welcome to Ecliptic Earth.
The Glyph Saga: Book Three, At the Mother Station, is the third installment of this series. Maurasia, PUA, and Guandaland are at it again. As Randu, Rachale, Que, and Gina settle into public life in Maurasia, they attain many powerful allies. Que ventures into a helpful, yet dangerously addictive hacking hobby where he discovers more about the world abroad—and himself. Meanwhile, PUA is ready to torment Ecliptic Earth with their inexperienced replacement Leaders, and Guandaland makes next-in-line Julia Laos President after Ubo Mensca is assassinated.

• Language: English
• Publisher: D. K. N. Yuko
• Release date: Aug 14, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476364544

D. K. N. Yuko

There are few African-Americans or women in the Social Science Fiction, Occult Fiction, Fantasy, and Dark Comedy genres. However, they have been a passion of DaKarai Noshell Yuko's forever. She has an affinity for writing multicultural stories with flawed characters and strong female leads, as well as progressive poetry. D. K. N. Yuko put together The Dakaverse, a dark-yet-hilarious compilation of many of her stories and projects. The Dakaverse is a rich, fully-connected universe filled with eccentric and exciting characters, whose stories overlap. The stories take place in four fictional cities: Plumesworthe, Ponderer's Point, Pensburg, and Tellurium Ridge. Each area has its inherently distinct social climate, which affects the story and the characters from that city. Many of the titles are available in graphic novel form. Yuko also incorporates Veclage Art in many of her graphic novels and book covers. Veclage Art is an expressive art form created by using layered and textured collages of vector clip art.

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The Glyph Saga Book Three:

At the Mother Station

by D. K. N. YUKO

COPYRIGHT 2012 DKN YUKO

PUBLISHED BY DRAGONFISH ENT/EBOOK PUBLISHING AT SMASHWORDS

The moral right of the author has been asserted. Ecliptic Earth, Ecliptic Earth Symbol, Ecliptic Earth Map, and all other icons and characters associated with The Glyph Saga © 2001, 2006, 2012 (NoShell Lancaster, NoShell Hedges) as DK Rimmer, DKN Yuko, of Dragonfish Entertainment. All rights reserved. No portion of this book or the website may be reproduced or transmitted in any way, form, or fashion without written permission from the author. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to the eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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http://dragonfishent.com

*****

If you are as irretrievably lost in so-called Ecliptic Earth as I am, read on. I love you with all my heart, and this goes out especially to you. Goddess Bless You, Reader.

*****

Watch out for other books in this series:

BOOK ONE: A Great Escape

BOOK TWO: Mad at Truth

BOOK THREE: At the Mother Station

BOOK FOUR: Beast of Both Worlds

BOOK FIVE: The Cast Iron Shore

BOOK SIX: Waiting on the World

BOOK SEVEN: Conform or Be Cast Out

Bonus books:

The Glyph Memoirs (ten to twenty years before Glyph Saga)

PART A: Of a Deep Blue Dream

PART B: Men Can’t See the Open Road

The Glyph Imminent (ten to twenty years after Glyph Saga)

PART A: Short of Stable

PART B: The One to Have the Other

The Glyph Genesis (the historical post-disasters uprisings)

PART A: Days That Bring New Meaning

PART B: Histories of Ages Past

Visit dragonfishent.com/glyph for

The Glyph Saga Companion (the comprehensive website to Ecliptic Earth) and cafepress.com/DragonfishENT for

official Ecliptic Earth gear!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER ONE: OF ROMANCE AND RAGE

CHAPTER TWO: COLORFUL CAMPAIGNS

CHAPTER THREE: PASSIONATE POLITICS

CHAPTER FOUR: DONNY, DRIVER, AND DELIVERANCE

CHAPTER FIVE: READ LETTERS

CHAPTER SIX: PEEPING TOM I

CHAPTER SEVEN: DEATH OF THE BELOVED

CHAPTER EIGHT: THE GOLD LETTER GOVERNMENT SHUFFLE

CHAPTER NINE: THE FIGHT FAN FIASCO

CHAPTER TEN: BALLAD OF MELYSJIA I

CHAPTER ELEVEN: INTREPID INTERVIEWS

CHAPTER TWELVE: AT THE MOTHER STATION I

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: FARINA IS BEST COLD

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: BALLAD OF MELYSJIA II

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: FROM KINGMAKER TO KING

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: HEADS AND TAILS

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: CHEATERS NEVER GET INFO

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: PEEPING TOM II

CHAPTER NINETEEN: REIGN AND REASON

CHAPTER TWENTY: AWFUL ENCOURAGEMENT

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: A LOVE NEARLY LOST

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: PRESIDENTIAL PROGRAM

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: THE KILLING OF THE CLONES

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: AT THE MOTHER STATION II

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: CLASSIC CONFRONTATIONS

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: ZILFRINIA

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN: PARENTAL PLOYS

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: THE UNCANNY UNCLOAKING

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE: TEN WHISKERS

CHAPTER THIRTY: SCRUFFY’S SCRATCH

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

*****

INTRODUCTION

The Pangan absconders, Gina Haven, Randu Helios, Que Draconic, and Rachale Selph, did not make it very far after fleeing their oppressive Region in 2098, SF. Fearful for their lives in a strange place, the Pangan gang decided to shed their royal looks and take on the more common guises of Daisy, Ricky, Slayer, and Candy, respectively. They repaired their new friend Driver Droid, damaged badly during their escape.

After a few months of roughing it on the chilly Engle shore, Donny Dylan and his cohorts Salis Granom, William Bednict, Jacob Enami, and the adorable little Viky Tacta, discovered them, thankfully. Donny, a Soligram, had an impressive, long-standing reputation for helping Regional escapees, trading with them and donating goods via his massive scrapyard. Sal took them to the closest Maurasian Nation, Old New Engle, and helped them acquire regular jobs and places to live. However, Donny misinformed Sal that Daisy and Slayer were cousins, and Ricky and Candy were married, much to Slayer’s dismay. They had to settle for those living arrangements or risk capture.

Meanwhile, while repairing the Region from the recent Life Form Warfare Incident, Panga Uno Animo had to fill their NQLC vacancies. They decided to recruit from outside the family lines, to keep the chances of a second rebellion to a minimum. They chose Oxzeal Dialos, a celebrity fighter and Muay Thai World Champion, Farina Pietrvilla, the sexy nurse who betrayed Randu, and Menton Schladich, a graduating honor student at PUAEU.

After many months of living and working in Old New Engle with their silly aliases, Slayer discovered their Pangan Minaries Cards worked in Maurasia. They took a chance and headed to the Minarium (bank) in a botched attempt to retrieve their long-lost riches. While escaping what they thought was an angry mob, they fell through the floor in a rotting, abandoned building and found the legendary Doctor Theodore Hermetic, in Soligram form. They also found out that Sal and the others were the Maurasian Merry-Goers, a group of war heroes and businesspersons trying to keep order in war-torn Maurasia.

Doctor Hermetic introduced them to his elusive, adopted son, Tarneous Whiteous. Tarneous was a young Homo radians/Homo sapiens mix, extremely rare. He and his father were psychics and taught them some of the dark secrets of Panga Uno Animo. They also discovered that Will Bednict defected to the PUA as a Maurasian traitor, and became the NQLC's fourth replacement Leader.

Rachale and company went to Maurasian Court and denounced Panga Uno Animo in 2100, eager to help Maurasia rebuild their government. They dropped their royal surnames, becoming Gina Trend, Randu Ross, Que Starr, and Rachale Nea.

After a meddlesome conversation with Randu, Rachale confronted Que about his lifelong crush on her. She revealed she felt the same way, and they got married that night in secret. Even their closest friends had no clue, and they wanted to keep it that way for a while.

The PUA was enraged with the runaways after learning they planned to help Maurasia rebuild, and decided to retaliate by hatching yet another Life Form Warfare scheme. Their plan was to release a vicious spider in Maurasia and release a crazed toy bear in the PUA, with hopes of framing Guandaland for both attacks. However, things went terribly awry when the New Leaders in charge of the task mixed up the creatures. It was time for the new Maurasians to show their stuff, and rescue their new Region.

As a Plan B, the PUA tried to reclaim Gina Trend, as she was underage when she left. At the last minute, Driver discovered a loophole that allowed Gina to stay. She decided to travel the world and set out on her long, happy journey. However, the PUA was not pleased, having two of their plans foiled like that. They were determined to do whatever it took to punish their fugitives. There was more than one way to whip a spoiled child…

*****

CONTINUATION (2101)

*****

CHAPTER ONE

OF ROMANCE AND RAGE

"Mummy!" Rachale Nea shouted, as she ran into a dazzling room of bright light, white walls, and white furniture.

Her mother, the graceful, brown-sugared Empress Maleetta Cadere Selph, The Virtuous, sat on a beautiful loveseat facing a small, lacy-curtained window. Adorned with a magnificent wreath of green leaves, wearing a large, ruffled, sparkling green dress, she turned and reached out for Rachale with silver glitter-dusted cheeks and shiny lips. Hello, my sweet Rachalique.

The entire room rotated as Rachale jumped into her arms like a two-year-old and cuddled her. Mum, I miss you.

Maleetta admired her daughter’s mature beauty as she stroked her hair. I miss you too, dear. But you know you are always in my heart.

You are in mine, Mum.

Maleetta stared at the ominous, open, black doorway in front of her and sighed, Once again, I have something urgent I need to tell you, Rachale. Something I must say to you after all these years.

Rachale looked back at the bad omen and buried her head in her mother’s chest. Mum, I don’t want to hear anything, especially anything bad. I just want you to hold me.

Sadly, she kissed Rachale on the forehead. I love you, my child. Rachale held her tighter, always ecstatic to hear her mother’s voice and see her face, even if only in her dreams. Maleetta glanced at the door and smiled, "Well, since you won’t hear me out once again, and you are here with your bizarre little husband, it’s time for you to wake up." She disappeared suddenly, leaving Rachale clutching a giant feathery pillow.

Frantically, she tossed aside the loveseat cushions, filling the air with falling feathers and clumps of cotton. Mother? The loveseat screeched across the floor, towing Rachale towards the unknown doom that lay ahead in the dark abyss of the doorway. She covered her face and screamed, Nnnnnnnnooooooo!

It was a very peculiar phenomenon for Maleetta to behave that way, even in the land of dreams. She was a charming and dear woman, very generous and benevolent. In public, she was always regal and sophisticated. When necessary, she fought beautifully with her dual fan weapons, Fandango. In public, she was well dressed, well mannered, and well spoken. She could be flirty at times and had a ravenous sexual appetite behind closed doors. Censio was her husband and devoted Adsum, and he put forth a lot of effort to help her make the best political decisions. He was very protective of her, and she kept him loyal and happy until her mysterious death in 2090.

Maleetta never headed any of the Departments in the NQLC, but she was a highly respected and loved public figure, nonetheless. She was a very intelligent woman but focused more on her love of Bellula dance and festivities. Even though she had secret psychic powers, and saw it long beforehand, she never believed in a million moons that her older brother Cleovis would turn down the throne. She spent most of her time enjoying life and helping others before becoming Empress.

Often followed by a swarm of children, Maleetta did a lot for her Region and often engaged in allowable charity work abroad. All the other Leaders and influentials looked up to her. No one ever gave her any problems. Actually, people bent over backward for her. So, it was quite disturbing to think her kindhearted mother would shove her into unknown danger. Rachale knew her dreams of her mother were as genuine as dreams could be.

Frightened and flaming hot, she woke up in Que Starr’s majestic bed on the colorful and bright Day of Love, the rising sun barely peeking through the grand windows. Awake but relaxing, he immediately hit a button on his bedside control panel to close the windows as he checked on her. What’s the matter, Gatito? You cool, sweetie?

Out of breath, Rachale rubbed her eyes. I just had another dream about my mum.

Oh, sweetheart, I’m sorry. Would you like to talk about it?

Miserable, she hung her head and muttered, No.

He leaned against the headboard, turned on the televisual to a low hum, and lovingly placed her head in his lap. What time do you have to leave today?

Not until about thirteen hundred, Romeo, why?

He ran his fingers through her tangled hair. Aaahhh… That’s cool.

Confused by his lack of words, she mumbled, "Do you want me to leave?"

He kissed her on the cheek and glanced uneasily at the chronometer on his nightstand. Of course, not… His TCD rang, and as he picked it up from the nightstand, he grimaced at the number. He turned it off and threw it under the bed.

She frowned, passing her damp hands across her mesh and fringe covered body. Que, do you think I’m getting fat?

Without breaking focus on the quiet televisual, he chuckled, "Fat? What?"

Some of my clothes are fitting strangely, and I just wondered.

Who cares about that? Maybe you’re pregnant—I hope so. Have you checked?

Under her hot morning breath, Rachale grumbled, "I’m not pregnant. We don’t make love enough for that anymore, how could I be?"

Not quite hearing all of that, but enough, Que panicked, What’d you say? What are you talking about?

She sat up, clutched her knees, and pouted, I just noticed that whenever we’re together lately, we don’t go wild like we used to. I thought maybe you didn’t think I was attractive anymore, or you were tired of me?

Highly offended, he touched her on the side of the face and looked into her eyes. "First of all, I think ALL women are beautiful, no matter their size or anything else. Second of all, and this is most important, you are YOU, know what I mean? After waiting my whole life, I have my precious. Do you really think I would ever get tired of you, regardless of how stupid I am?"

What? Well, why don’t we—

He turned off the televisual and rose from the bed. He sauntered across the plush-carpeted floor and leaned onto the mirrored dresser for support. Look, I know it may sound silly, but lately I have the overwhelming urge to just hold you in my arms and listen to you breathe at night. Most of the time, I don't even sleep when you are here. I just lay with you, touching your hair and your face, and staring at the chronometer, praying time would slow down just a little.

Rachale crawled down to the bottom of the bed and stared at his reflection. What do you mean?

Rachale, I want you in my arms every night and every day. I absolutely hate this sneaking around. I thought I wouldn't mind at first, but shit! Sometimes it hurts more than not having you at all. I cherish you above all else. He faced her, sitting on the edge of the dresser and twirling her hairbrush between his edgy fingers. I know it sounds crazy as hell, but you're my wife, I'm proud, and I want everyone in the universe to know. Sure, I could bring you here or wherever we go and just fuck you until I'm insane and incapacitated, but where does the time go? She modestly blushed as he whined, Before you know it, it's time for you to leave, you rush off in a hurry, and I'm alone again, missing you, craving you, wishing I could give my life for five more minutes of just talking to you. Do you understand?

Rachale rolled over on her back and stared at the ceiling. Yes…

I would like a little more intimacy with you than that. How can I put it? I know you’ve noticed the way I eat over the years.

With that humorous image trapped in her head, she laughed.

"Chomping down food like it’s nothing… I feel like due to limited time, I’m always chomping you down, especially with our campaigning coming up. We really won't have time. I want to relish you. Every single, precious second… He stomped over to the closet and pushed the button to open it, displaying the extensive collection of Rachale Nea photos on the walls. I can't even keep a picture of you in my wallet or my office without people asking me a trillion questions, especially other women. I feel like we are quite literally in the closet. That’s why lately, I can’t do anything but hold you. I never know when I will get to hold you again."

Still lying on her back in bed, Rachale rubbed her stomach and deeply exhaled, Etoile, I feel the same way, believe me, I do. But, I don't want to sound obsessive or possessive—

He kneeled on the floor beside her, resting his head on her thighs. Why can’t we stop hiding?

I just don’t think it’s the right time yet. I’m scared. I don’t want people to persecute us, or terrorize us, or smother us.

When I’m with you, I don’t care about anything, and I fear nothing! I’m the man I wish I was always.

She tugged his ear, and he moved over. He kissed her like a dehydrated man in a boiling desert, and her lips were a fertile oasis. Swept away, she sat up and firmly grabbed his arms. See, you haven’t kissed me like that in ages. I’m addicted to you, Que.

What do YOU mean?

I love your protectiveness of me. I love how highly you think of me. I love how freely you express your feelings to me. I love your loyalty. I could go on for days. You’re perfect in every way, and I feel so fortunate to have you. I couldn’t imagine one hour without the knowledge that you’re mine, and I’ll see you soon.

He dropped his head and sighed, hiding his inner anguish from her charming compliments.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and persuasively moaned in his ear, But, on a more carnal level, I love the way you touch me. I HAVE TO feel your flesh grinding against mine. I need your hands and your lips and your tongue caressing every inch of my body.

Completely aroused, as she nuzzled his neck he weakly whimpered, Girl, you cannot say shit like that early in the morning. You just can’t!

I mean it. I don’t want to be vulgar, but I love gripping up on your body and the way you feel deep inside of me. I love the way you smell, the way you taste. You excite me. There has to be a way to balance the three.

What three?

Time, love, and lust…

He stood, scooped her up in his arms, and smiled, What time is it now?

Looks like seven hundred, Romeo.

Well, I love you; care to try for lust?

She twirled one of his dreads around her finger and squealed, Man! Did I mention I love your cheeky mouth?

He sat on the edge of the bed with her straddled across his lap. As she kissed and caressed him ravenously, he pulled away, and mumbled, No, slower.

Decelerating her kissing, she grabbed at his clothing, fumbling with his pants. He slid her hand away, kissing and licking her fingers. Not so aggressive…

Wanting him badly, Rachale inhaled and lay down on her back. Que stroked her ashy legs with a smile and swept her scattered hair across her flushed face. He kissed her and ran his hand down her body. See, isn't this nice? Savoring each other slowly for a change?

She closed her eyes, arched her back, and wrapped her legs around his waist as he sucked her neck and shoulders. The doorbell rang, killing the delicate, romantic moment. Nearly breathing fire, Rachale roared, Ggggrrraaahhhh! Bugger, who the bloody hell is that?

Meekly, Que stood and cringed, I’m so sorry; I ordered firstmeal.

She slid down to the edge of the bed with a horny sigh, Ghhhhaaaaa… I need to learn to cook… She pulled him back on top of her and bit his bottom lip. Maybe he’ll go away.

The doorbell rang again, and he tried to speak. I doubt it; it’s paid for.

She shoved him aside, angrily threw on her thin matching robe, and tramped to the bedroom door. I’ll go.

Wait, don’t—!

I’ll go!

Rachale romped down the stairs, firmly clasping her robe. She shapeshifted into one of his alleged women, and pounded the open button beside the door, flinging it aside. What is it!

Under normal conditions and circumstances, when a capable person opened a disposal portal, it led to the Restricted Dumps in Lower Troubleland Floes, Guandaland. Capat Draconic, using his mix powers, had the ability to modify his disposal portal and appear wherever he wanted, whenever he wanted. It was a precious gift, unnerving to many. Therefore, clad in a caterer's hat and jumpsuit, he stood on Que's porch and aimed a gigantic laser gun directly in her face, not fooled by her disguise. Please Angel, didn't your da tell you never open your own door?

Terrified, Rachale changed back and dropped to her knees right as Capat let off three laser rounds, barely missing her and hitting the parallel wall. She crawled through his legs out the door as he lumbered into the house, cocking his gun for another shot. That was a bloody touching and sensual yarn upstairs. Erotic! After we got it off, I could tell you were a manky little scanger! Sadly, it’s wasted on someone so undeserving of you.

Que shot down the stairs at super speed to investigate what happened. Rachale?

Immediately, Capat aimed at him, squeezing the trigger as Rachale screamed, Que, look out!

She disappeared and reappeared, moving him out of harm’s way as the shots destroyed a piece of furniture. Capat cocked his gun again and chuckled, No fair. This mil is between you and me, bird.

Que popped up in front of him and punched him in the nose. No such thing!

He dropped the gun and staggered back, clutching his bloody nose. Rachale kicked it far away and tied her robe tight, ready with her fighting stance. She and Que circled Capat as he joked, By the way, congrats on getting hitched. I would have come sooner, but I decided to wait until the honeymoon was over.

Que growled, It’ll never be over!

He lunged at him, beginning a two against one Martial Arts match, Drunken Boxing and Taekwondo versus Capoeira. After a few minutes of the brutal fight, Capat ridiculed, Where’s your little snapper? I see a nursery locked away upstairs, but I don’t hear the pitter-patter of little feet around here.

There are none, you arsehole! Rachale retorted.

"Right. That’s probably Que’s fault. All the smoking, drinking, and nail polish! You should be way up the pole by now, Rach!"

Off balance, as he wanted, Que charged Capat. I’ll kill you, you bastard!

Rachale grabbed him around the waist, pleaded, Que, don’t! and disappeared, stranding him in the empty fifth dimension used during teleportation. She reappeared in the house with Capat, alone. Blocked on the other side of the room by a clear film, Que could plainly see, but he could not hear and was invisible to them. Anxiously, he banged on the barrier. "Rachale!"

Capat glanced around the room for him. What’s wrong, Rach? You don’t want to be a widow? I hear it’s liberating.

Furiously, she geared up to battle solo, wiping the blood from her face. You wanted me, twit! You got me!

Que continued his brutal beating on the obstruction. "Rachale! What the hell is this?"

Admiring her naughty outfit, Capat smirked, Oh, not like this, Raven. Far from it…

Rachale and Capat charged each other as the clash commenced. After numerous heavy blows between them, Capat eagerly exclaimed, You know, if you were my wife, you’d have your family by now. I’d kill for it!

I don’t want you or a family with you, you revolting—!

Why not? I worshiped you! I would have sacrificed everything for you! Instead, I got fifty on our wedding day, and you come out here to this hellhole and marry my brother! I loved you!

Rachale kicked up at him with every intention of planting her foot firmly in his face, but stopped short, and melodramatically bellowed, "Capat, you fucking fool, you don’t love me!"

Shocked, he grabbed her by the foot and shoved her against the wall. Que paced the area like a caged animal, wishing he could do something. How can you say that? Capat pleaded. Even after I explained it to you, you don’t believe how I feel?

"I do know how you feel because it's how Que feels! These feelings aren't yours; they're his!"

He slung her foot to the ground and seized her by the neck, jacking her up. How dare you—!

Viciously, Que rammed his body into the invisible obstruction. "Stop! You jackass, I’ll tear you apart! Rachale let me out of here!"

With her feet dangling and running out of air, she gurgled, I dare because I know the truth. Cauda hated Que. She knew we were going to get together, so she drained his feelings and put them in you. Only it didn’t work the way she wanted.

Loosening his grip around her neck, he miserably brooded, You’re lying…

Could I make up some shit like that? He slowly lowered her as she added, "Didn’t you think it was strange that you just woke up one day, not mildly but madly in love with me? Didn’t you wonder where that came from?"

With his hand around her neck, he leaned over and kissed her on the lips. Que went wild, unable to